It will become available on March 16th with three different storage capacities

Mar 8, 2012 08:00 GMT  ·  By

The new iPad is now official. Apple announced it on March 7th and plans on making it available for purchase starting with March 16th.

In addition to the usual WiFi-only flavor of the device, Apple also announced that users would be able to enjoy the capabilities of a WiFi + 4G version of the new iPad.

The new tablet iteration will offer support for the LTE networks of AT&T and Verizon in the United States, and is set to make its debut on March 16th too.

On LTE, the available speeds will be impressive on both AT&T’s and Verizon’s airwaves. The new iPad will be able to deliver up to 73Mbps on the downlink, it seems.

Pricing for this model will be higher than for the WiFi-only version. Users have the option to choose a 16GB flavor of the tablet for $629 (480 Euros), while having to pay $729 (550 Euros) for the 32GB version and $829 (630 Euros) for the 64GB model.

For that kind of money, users will benefit from the capabilities of what Apple calls the most advanced tablet PC in the world.

The new iPad is powered by Apple’s new A5X chip with quad-core graphics, and sports a new Retina display, with “four times the number of pixels of iPad 2.” Moreover, it packs a 5 megapixel iSight capable of capturing amazing photos and 1080p HD videos.

The new flavor of Apple’s device can deliver great data connectivity speeds for users where LTE is not available, courtesy of HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA. It also sports Mobile Hotspot capabilities.

Although the new device can offer far better speeds when compared to the previous models, it will maintain the same 10 hours battery life capabilities, Apple announced.

In addition to US users, people in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Switzerland, UK and the US Virgin Islands will also be able to purchase the new iPad starting with Friday, March 16th.

AT&T has already listed the device on its website, offering users the option to register for updates.